Rustic campgrounds near Cedar, Michigan position campers within the interior of Leelanau Peninsula, 20 miles northwest of Traverse City. The area sits at approximately 700 feet elevation with sandy soil and mixed hardwood forests. Camping season typically runs mid-April through October, with July temperatures averaging 70-80°F during day and 55-65°F at night.
What to do
Beach access at multiple lakes: Cedar area campgrounds provide options for accessing both Lake Michigan and inland lakes. At D.H. Day Campground, visitors find "a short boardwalk to the beach. The amphitheater with kid focused programs was a great bonus," according to Jeffrey R. The beach access makes it popular even in shoulder seasons.
Kayaking local waterways: Paddle sports are particularly good on the protected inland lakes and rivers. Nikki M. from Platte River Campground says, "We camp on full moon nights and hit the river for night kayaking. We have our favorite site too!" The Platte River offers gentle currents suitable for beginners.
Hiking forest trails: The area contains numerous hiking paths through maple-beech forests. "There are a few spots that are more private, but you'll likely have to book in advance. Great access to walking trails and the beach," explains Emmy W. about the trail system at D.H. Day Campground. Most trails are moderate difficulty with minimal elevation changes.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The dark skies away from urban centers create excellent stargazing conditions. Doug P. from D.H. Day Campground reports, "We went to the beach to skywatch and it was beautiful and worth every second," despite camping in colder October temperatures. The Lake Michigan shoreline offers unobstructed horizon views.
Multi-day paddling: The interconnected waterways allow extended kayak trips. At Lake Dubonnet Trail Camp, Kate K. notes, "it's great for early morning paddles and peaceful relaxation. There is a boat launch right near by, but most of the sites have their own path right down to the water." Many campers bring their own watercraft.
Off-season tranquility: Fall camping brings fewer crowds and seasonal color. "Went there in late October of 2022 and man was it a cold night to stay in a tent," shares Doug P., but adds that beach stargazing made it "worth every second." Late September through mid-October offers peak fall foliage viewing with temperatures typically in the 50-60°F range.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds book quickly during summer. Taylor D. from D.H. Day Campground advises, "I've been coming here for over a decade and I still love it. Quiet park, quiet beaches, beautiful views." Sites at waterfront campgrounds often require booking 6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom amenities differ significantly between campgrounds. At Traverse City State Park Campground, Cassondra P. notes, "The bath houses on the end we like are very dated and are usually clean but still show their age! The other end had nicer newer shower/bath houses."
Wildlife considerations: Bears occasionally visit campgrounds in the region. Joyce B. from Platte River Campground shares, "Was told a black bear visits the campgrounds at least once a week, but is not much a nuisance as long as campers store their food in the car." Food storage in vehicles is required at most campgrounds.
Bug protection needed: Insects can be problematic, particularly in wooded sites. Katie D. warns about Platte River Campground: "Even after apply a ton of bug spray we felt like we were getting eaten alive on the trail." Ticks are most active May through July, while mosquitoes peak June through August.
Tips for camping with families
Campground activities: Some facilities offer organized recreation programs. Jeffrey R. appreciates D.H. Day Campground's "amphitheater with kid focused programs," which typically run weekends in summer with ranger-led presentations about local wildlife and ecology.
Space between sites: Family campers often prefer grounds with more privacy. Andrea B. from Platte River Campground says, "Most sites are very large, shaded, private and have level areas for tents or campers." She mentions the only drawback is limited playground facilities.
Water safety considerations: Beaches and waterways require appropriate supervision. At Indigo Bluffs RV Park, Josh N. reports, "Nice RV park with full hook up... Indigo has a nice atmosphere plenty of trees and a nice pool. Plenty of kids for my son to play with." Swimming areas at inland lakes typically have gradual entry points without strong currents.
School break planning: Campgrounds fill quickly during school holidays. Anne G. notes Platte River Campground "has great amenities without feeling like urban camping. The staff and park rangers are amazing. The sites in the three loops are nicely placed so that you have foliage and space between sites."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RV campers should check site descriptions before booking. At Lake Leelanau RV Park, Aaron C. appreciates the "Level Cement sites. Well mowed grass." He adds, "We could only reserve 3 nights in a row then move to a second site for the last night. When we checked in she said they had a different site for all 4 nights. It was great she remembered."
Hookup availability: Electric and water connections vary by campground. Phil M. reports of Leelanau Pines Campground, "Each site had electric and water connections, each site also had a picnic table and fire pit." Most RV sites in the region offer 30-amp service, with limited 50-amp availability.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. Kimberly C. from Leelanau Pines Campground appreciates that "they had friendly staff that met us to check us in and guide us to our site," especially helpful for larger rigs navigating tree-lined roads.
Seasonal considerations: RV campgrounds have differing operating seasons. Jeff G. notes about Indigo Bluffs RV Park: "The spaces are tight unless you get into the back rows set back sites. This is a terrific way to solve the tight spacing." Most RV parks in the region close by November 1 due to freezing temperatures.
